Branchez-Vous 2017:A growing enthusiasm for the electric car

Saint-Jérôme – July 5th, 2017. The Innovative Vehicle Institute (IVI) is proud to release the results of the fifth edition of Branchez-Vous events held in Montréal (April 22nd and 23rd), Gatineau (May 6th and 7th), Lévis (May 27th and 28th) and Drummondville (June 17th and 18th). During this tour, the IVI allowed consumers to test drive 17 different plug-in vehicle models while in the company of experienced EV drivers. A unique opportunity to compare, in a same location, almost all electric vehicle models available in Québec. Overall, no fewer than 2,550 road tests were carried out, in particular thanks to the support of numerous partners including the ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l’Électrification des transports, Hydro-Québec and Ford.

A strong increase in demandIt is undeniable, the electric car market is gaining momentum. As of March 31st 2017, there were 14,390 plug-in hybrid and electric cars on Québec roads, representing a 51.7% increase in registrations compared to last year[1]. A poll conducted with Branchez-Vous attendees confirms this enthusiasm for driving electric.

“A huge thank you for this fantastic day! I started with the idea of getting a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle; now I’m really considering a 100% electric car! Quite inspiring!”

“I am very satisfied with my experience. I bought the IONIQ Electric and I’ve been driving it since June 5th.”

Furthermore, of the 110 participants surveyed, 86.8% claim wanting to buy a plug-in vehicle. Of these, 68% will opt for a 100% electric vehicle, while 20% will switch to a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The remaining 12% have not made their choice yet. “Testimonials demonstrate that road tests and conversations with experts allow attendees to consolidate their thinking and find the EV model that really meets their needs. In fact, 37% of those surveyed claim they want to purchase an EV within a year. We are very proud of the results of this event, which tangibly contributes to integrating more electric vehicles on our roads,” said François Adam, P.Eng., CEO of IVI.

Reducing GHG emissions one car at a timeThere are multiple reasons that encourage consumers to drive electric: many cite an exceptional driving experience and substantial savings in energy costs. Reducing GHG emissions is also an important source of motivation. Indeed, for each litre of gasoline consumed, a vehicle generates about 2.36 kilograms of CO2 equivalent. A car traveling 20,000 kilometers a year with a consumption rate of 7 L / 100 km would therefore generate 3.3 tons of CO2. A phenomenon consumers are increasingly aware of, and which becomes an additional argument to adopt the electric car.

“The Québec government has chosen to support sustainable mobility by focusing on transport electrification. Events such as Branchez-Vous contribute to achieving the goals set out in the 2015-2020 Transportation Electrification Action Plan by promoting the benefits of using electric vehicles. Transport electrification allows us to reduce our carbon footprint and our dependence on fossil fuels all the while increasing our collective wealth by using electricity produced here from renewable sources,” reiterated Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, Mr. Laurent Lessard.

“I am pleased with the 2017 edition of the Branchez-Vous events. With all the actions taken in recent years – such as the unveiling of the 2030 Energy Policy – our government reaffirms its will to continue developing the electric vehicle sector and transport electrification. We are supporting Quebec’s economic growth while reducing our GHG emissions and oil consumption,” said Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

“Québec has been committed to the electrification of transportation for several years. By focusing on research and innovation, the Innovative Vehicle Institute helps companies to offer competitive products and thus stand out in foreign markets. The Institute is a key partner in the electric and intelligent vehicles’ ecosystem in Quebec. Furthermore, Branchez-Vous 2017 promotes the use of electric vehicles in Québec, which can only be beneficial to our economy,” said the Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, Dominique Anglade.

“To increase the number of electric vehicles on Quebec roads, people and businesses must get to know them and understand the benefits they offer. That is why our government supports and encourages the IVI in its advocacy efforts. Thanks to the Green Fund, whose revenues are mainly derived from the carbon market, the government supports citizens in their transition towards a low-carbon world. In addition to contributing to our economy’s modernization, this tangible step, as part of the 2013-2020 Action Plan on Climate Change, allows us to work together and fight climate change, thus ensuring a quality of life for our children. Let’s do it for them!” David Heurtel, Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change.

A new formula for 2018The Branchez-Vous tour was barely over when the IVI began preparations for the 2018 edition. “During the last five Branchez-Vous editions, we noticed an evolution in the electric vehicle market. It is gaining in popularity, but there is still a great need for information. We thus want to keep up our awareness-raising efforts with a whole new formula for our events,” concludes François Adam.

These Branchez-Vous events were made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Gouvernement du Québec as part of the Programme de soutien à la promotion de l’électrification des transports. We would also like to thank our many volunteers and partners including Ford, Hydro-Québec, Chevrolet and Nissan, as well as official charging station suppliers Flo and EVduty.